What are the items that are checked at each follow-up visit for ALS patients?

  1. exertional spirometry (FVC) values.  FVC is the most important predictor of survival; Fallat found that FVC <50% of the expected value indicates poor prognosis, and Bensimon et al. demonstrated that FVC can be used as a predictor of survival in the clinical trial of Lyrica. The American Academy of Neurology and the European Federation of Neurological Societies guidelines for the treatment of ALS both list it as an indication for the use of Bipap.  Respiratory function (ventilation, lung function, spirometry) (the name of the program may vary from hospital to hospital) is measured every three months at follow-up visits. If necessary, blood gas analysis should be performed.  2. Body weight.  Weight change is an independent predictor of survival in ALS.  Self-measurement can be done at home every March and recorded.  3.Biochemical indicators.  There are no recognized specific biological markers for diagnosis of ALS nor specific indicators for determining disease progression. However, some studies have suggested that creatine kinase, creatinine, homocysteine, and ultrasensitive C-reactive protein may be associated with disease progression.  Follow-up examinations include routine blood work, blood sedimentation, liver function, kidney function, creatine kinase (CK), homocysteine (HCY), hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), cystatin C (CysC), and uric acid (UA). The items listed differ from hospital to hospital, but it is sufficient to include these items.